Ex-Gov, Minister Dazed At Yenagoa Metamorphosis
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- Diri: There’s Assured Prosperity For All Bayelsans
The metamorphosis of Yenagoa from a one-road village- state capital to a major developing city was a talking point at the 20th All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, when a former governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba and the Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris observed that the Bayelsa State capital was fast becoming a developed city.
It started with Osoba, a fellow of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, NGE, who recalled his early days of visiting the state when he was a governor, at the time that the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was also a governor in the state, just a few years after the state was created.
According to him, Yenagoa used to be a village with one road for entry and exit, with almost nothing to show for its contributions to the national treasury. But he said that many years down the line, the state had witnessed geometrical progression in development.
He hailed all those who had been at the helm of affairs in the state for their contributions to the development of the state and particularly commended the current governor, Senator Douye Diri, for taking the state to greater heights.
His position was corroborated by the information minister who noted that the state was making steady progress in development. According to him, even the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is impressed by the pace of development in the state.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the ANEC, the governor said he was doing so much with the meagre resources allocated to the state, even though Bayelsa was contributing so much to the centre. He said efforts were being made by his government to connect all the three senatorial districts by road.
He lamented that the state had been in darkness for about three months due to the activities of vandals, but said he was working with his team to take advantage of the federal government liberal policy allowing states to generate their own electricity.
“ Hear him: We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development. Our nation brims with abundant resources, yet poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities; a striking paradox.
“In Bayelsa State for instance, a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas production, we face severe environmental challenges and economic hardship. For long we have been ignored, our stories dismissed, and our rights trampled. Yet we have decided not to be silenced or erased. “The time is always right to do what is right,” said Martin Luther King Jr.
“Two recent events have strengthened my resolve to drive a thoughtful and intentional dialogue about responsible resource management in our country.
“It was my pleasure to join the University of Nigeria (UNN) community in Nsukka for their 64th Founder’s Day, where I presented a lecture focusing on the pivotal issues of structural inequality and imbalance within Nigeria’s federal structure.
“We must, for instance, rethink the outdated idea that States have rights to surface land, while the federal government monopolises valuable underground resources.
“I highlighted key issues, including fiscal autonomy and the restricted authority of state governors, who are chief security officers in name only, as actual control rests elsewhere. I will refrain from delving deeper into this topic here, as copies of my lecture are available to the press.
“The second is the submission of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission’s report to the State Executive Council, marking a significant milestone. This comprehensive report sheds light on the devastating impact of oil and gas pollution in Bayelsa State, highlighting the urgent need for remedial action and sustainable solutions.
“The report paints a devastating picture of environmental destruction, impunity, and severe harm to our lands, waters, and community health. Alarmingly, it reveals that Bayelsa bears the brunt of 25% of Nigeria’s oil and gas pollution, yet receives insufficient compensation for the resulting environmental degradation and health crises. The report recommends an urgent need for reparation, remedial action, and sustainable solutions to address the catastrophic impact of this pollution on our ecosystem and people.
“While some focus on the 13% derivation funds allocated to oil-producing states, it’s crucial to acknowledge the far more devastating 83% deprivation that perpetuates inequity and injustice. This stark disparity underscores the need for comprehensive reform.
“This Tuesday, I had the privilege of leading a high-powered delegation of stakeholders from the State to discuss these and other concerning issues with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa. I am deeply gratified by his courtesy, understanding, and support of the many issues that agitate our people.
“I’m bringing this crucial sequence of events to your attention because I believe we share a common conviction, echoed in Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As editors and chief communicators in our society, you have the power to shine a light on these injustices.
“Therefore, we implore you as editors and influential voices, to advocate for policies that prioritise sustainable development and empower local communities. The discussions are not just abstract concepts; they directly affect people’s lives, particularly those suffering from resource exploitation, environmental harm, and unequal economic access.
“This is my first major interface with the leadership of the press since my re-election as Governor. You may recall that during our first term, we proudly adopted the moniker “Prosperity Government.” This designation was not merely a title; it is a commitment to our electoral promise to the people of Bayelsa State.
“We have made tremendous progress on several legacy projects that are transforming the lives of our people. Our flagship initiatives include the Three Senatorial Roads, moving our communities to the Atlantic Ocean and unlocking the vast potential of the Blue Economy, as well as the iconic Ernest Ikoli Media Complex, arguably West Africa’s most impressive media hub.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to credible, transparent stewardship, ensuring that our resources are utilised efficiently and effectively for the greater good.”
